Reposado mezcal is mezcal that is aged up to one year in an oak barrel, usually an ex-bourbon barrel. This is less time aging than an añejo mezcal (one to three years of aging) or extra añejos (three years or more). While these examples do not have the finesse of an añejo mezcal, these are a step or two up in refinement and smoothness from a blanco mezcal and can be served neat or in a cocktail.

Mezcal is often confused with tequila, as both are made from agave. But while tequila must be made from one specific blue agave, mezcal can be produced from eighteen different types of agave (maguey). There are two types of mezcal, those made exclusively from maguey and those made from at least 80% maguey mixed with other ingredients. Mezcal has similar aging terms as tequila, such as reposado and añejo, but generally mezcal is more of an artisanal product, so examples of mezcal vary more than tequila.

Most are double-distilled, while some are triple-distilled and then aged for several years in oak barrels. Flavors range from smoked herbs and pepper to tobacco and charred fruits.